Provides information for older residents that helps them remain engaged in the community

Advocates to make Brookline an even better place to live for seniors and everyone.

Become a member of BrooklineCAN! Request a membership brochure by calling 617-730-2777 or visit BrooklineCAN.org

Safer Winter Sidewalks
The Town Administrator's Task Force on Sidewalk Snow Removal is pursuing several strategies to improve sidewalk safety in commercial areas after winter storms. The Task Force is giving major attention to more rapid snow clean-up by Town crews at cross walks, accelerated efforts to inform property owners of their responsibilities for sidewalk safety, and proactive enforcement of the Town's slippery sidewalk bylaw. Residents should continue to report unsafe sidewalks. The Department of Public Works has a special number for reporting winter sidewalk problems: 617-730- 2610. On weekends, residents will get faster action if they call the Police department at 617-730-2222 to report slippery sidewalks. The Task Force was created because of BrooklineCAN advocacy; two members of the Task Force are BrooklineCAN representatives.

Spotlight on Committees - EducationThe BrooklineCAN Education Committee responds to members' interests and needs by providing a variety of informational programs and forums on topics helping seniors remain active and engaged in the community. Some of our most popular programs have been: designing living spaces for all ages and abilities, personalized nutritional support for optimal aging, current home-based and residential options for older adults, and the very lively "It's Never Too Late to Create: The Vital Role of Arts as We Age". Committee chair Ruthann Dobek is interested in receiving your ideas on topics for future programs; she can be reached at rdobek@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2756. Save the date for our next program on the evening of March 23, 2015: Anita Hoffer, PhD will discuss "Embracing Sexuality as We Age: Keys to Vitality".

Override Forum Video on BrooklineCAN Web SiteThe rapid expansion of the school population has created a need for more classrooms and more teachers. Voters will be asked to approve a property tax increase to provide the necessary financing. On December 3, 2014, BrooklineCAN presented an informational forum on this topic. If you did not have a chance to attend and would like to learn more about the override, take a look at: http://www.brooklinecan.org/livable_community.html#overrideforum

Encouraging Recreational Biking for Seniors The Livable Community Advocacy Committee is asking for your ideas about safe and attractive biking routes for exercise for seniors in Brookline. The committee plans to create a map showing places in Brookline where seniors can bike safely and enjoy themselves while they ride a bike for exercise. Can you identify an attractive biking loop in your neighborhood that senior bikers might enjoy? The committee hopes to publish its map in the spring. If you have ideas, contact Frank Caro (frank.g.caro@gmail.com).

REAP Party January 8REAP (Retirement Engagement Alternatives Program) is having a party! Join in for some fun and relaxation to welcome in the New Year on Thursday, January 8 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Brookline Senior Center. Enjoy refreshments, games and meeting other REAP participants at this first time REAP 2015 party event. Bring your questions and ideas for future direction for the REAP program. You will hear about plans for 2015 including workshops, one-on one job search tool development sessions, and networking. This event is free, but registration is required. To register or for more information call: 617-730-2767 or email dwaxman@brooklinema.gov. Hosts Deidre Waxman and Patricia Burns look forward to seeing you there.

Free Concerts in the LibraryGet through the New England winter with a little help from great music. Free concerts at the Main Brookline Library (361 Washington Street) are scheduled each month from January to April. On Sunday, January 15, the Assaf Kehati Jazz Trio will be performing. All concerts begin at 2:30 pm, and seating is limited. For more information, contact the library at BrooklineLibrary.org or call 617-730-2370.

What Can the Brookline Senior Center Do for You?Short answer: Almost everything! The amazing Senior Center and its 16 staff members are there to support seniors in maintaining active, independent, joyful lives. The monthly Senior News and Events keeps us up to date on scheduled activities. Here is a partial list of what the Center offers: Van transportation, Brookline Elder Taxi System, podiatry service, blood pressure screening, daily lunch, card tables and a coffee pot in the common area, the Home and Escort Linkage Program, health insurance counseling, the Retirement Engagement Alternatives Program, Brookline Legal Assistance Bureau, food stamp assistance, fitness programs, chess, choral singing, book discussion groups, free movies, a food pantry and more! Drop in and get acquainted! (93 Winchester Street, 617-730-2777). You can find more info about the Senior Center at http://www.brooklinecan.org.

Deal of the Month--Online MagazinesBrookline Public Library is offering a new online service - zinio. Towards the bottom right-hand side of the Library homepage (http://www.brooklinelibrary.org/) is the zinio icon to access the service. Zinio allows a Brookline Library card holder to access many of the most popular magazines online without having to subscribe. Once you sign up for the service you can select the magazines you want to read and even receive a notice when the latest copy is available. It is also possible to print articles from any of the magazines you select.

The initial sign up can be a little confusing but reference librarians at the library are available to help you through the process (617-730-2369).

Online Auctions: Successful Selling on eBayEarn money by selling unwanted items. This Adult Education class will introduce you to the ins and outs of eBay, including how auctions work, how to register as an eBay seller, and how to make smart and safe transactions. Two Mondays beginning January 26, 11:45 am - 1:45 pm. Senior Center. Course code C197, $50. For more information and to register see www.brooklineadulted.org or call 617-730-2700.